The first two ODIs have let many believe that a whitewash by Indian second string team may not be impossible. India won the first two games convincingly. But the team change worked wonders for West Indies in the third game, at least in tailenders batting. After a convincing win in the first ODI and the second ODI, despite Russel’s heroics getting WI closer to victory, India snatched victory from the mouth of defeat to seal the series.
Third ODI Match Facts & Scorecard
WI Bat First, India Chase
The match started as it was just a repeat of first two games. West Indies batted first. India decided to chase for the second time in the ODI series. Russel, Roach came in the WI team, Hyatt made his ODI debut. India played unchanged team, that must have been much more confident than ever. West Indies player’s index showed better batting, while Indian player’s index showed better bowling.
Russel Fights, Indians relax
Sent to bat first, WI batsmen collapsed and were headed to a very low total. After taking first 7 wickets for just 96 runs, Russel the number 9 batsman created World Record to take his team to a respectable total. Earlier Munaf and Mishra, leading wickettakers of the series, again created havoc for WI batsmen snatching 3 wickets each. But Russel showed what his inclusion to team meant for WI team. With 5 sixes he played the best inning of the current series by any batsman. He also created World Record for scoring the highest run by a number 9 player. In the end Indians were set a target of 226 runs to seal the series. His big partnerships for 8th and 9th wicket changed the course of the game.
Indian Reply with Over-confidence
Roach and Russel did add teeth to the bowling that already had two good performers in Bishoo and Sammy. But, credit must be given to Indian batsmen for losing the match even when their asking run rate was not even 5 per over. Indian top order and middle order collapsed as if complementing the start by WI. 6 wickets were gone just for 92 and Harbhajan had to come to the crease in 23rd over to accompany Rohit Sharma.
Big Q for India
Can any of the current lot players ask for a seat in playing XI against England?
Big Q for West Indies
With so many good allrounders in the team and young atheletic blood, why is WI taking so much time to win consistently even at home!!
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